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A Dream Client

Downtowns have always been an integral part of the community. With such a fast-paced society and a technologically driven culture taking over, it is more important than ever that we support our downtown retail shopping scenes.

Retailers who can capture their target audience and provide them with properly merchandise products and services are still thriving today. One example is Kirby and Company, founded by Elaine McCleary in downtown Darien, Connecticut. Not only is she a brilliant merchant, she knows how to market the store appropriately for her target audience. After working in the local retail environment of Juliska, McCleary identified the need for gifts and accessories and capitalized on it with her first retail shop, Kirby and Company, established in 2014. Targeting people who love color, family, happiness, and friends. After spending time getting to know her customers and utilizing the analytics of digital marketing, Elaine noticed a void in the marketplace for young women from ages 8 – 26, going from backpacks to first apartments. A place for girls and young women to buy affordable gifts and décor for themselves and friends along with a space that was speaking to them and not down to them. With the success of Kirby and Company, Elaine had the push and the perfect solution to open a second store called Kirby Girl. In marketing terms, she definitely provides the customer with a unique value proposition and offers just the “right” product and the “right” price in the most appealing way. She makes her clients “feel good” about what they are purchasing.

From our perspective, as the PR and Marketing firm, Kirby and Company along with Kirby Girl are a dream client. They came prepared with the right marketing tools including a message, audience, graphic materials, keywords and more; giving us the opportunity to communicate a well-prepared message to the media. For their recent launch of Kirby Girl, they created vibrant yellow and white striped wall for selfies, a logo and tagline with a story, hashtags, and fabulous photography. With all of the right ingredients, we were armed with the right ammunition for a successful press launch. We created a day for press to preview the space prior to opening including influencers, bloggers, journalists and stylist who were like kids in a candy store (literally with Kirby Kandy!). Investing in great photography is “key”. Case in point, photographer, Julia Dags captured the joy and color of the store. Elaine’s memories of her grandfather’s saying inspired the “Stay on the Sunny Side of the Street”, this saying reinforces her brand and her mission to empower her target audience- young woman or the young at heart. She successfully captured not only the media’s attention but also the hearts of the community. Local stories have started to be published, check them out in Serendipity July/Aug 2018,Lemon Stripes, Prettypinktulips, Darien News, Neirad, New Canaan & Darien Moms.

Kirby Girl is on the road to a sunny future. Cannot wait to see what’s in store this Fall.

Creative Brand Launches

Create brand appeal that speaks to the audience you are targeting. Produce quality tools and materials that proudly represent the company and your agency.

In preparation for a launch, whether it is a product, company or community, research and planning are key to a successful outcome. Understand the perception consumers, designers and media have of the brand and learn who you are targeting. Then tie that research into the overall goals and objectives of what you’re trying to accomplish.

Most recently PETER FASANO launched a new textile and wallpaper collection and the objective was to introduce it to trade (designers) and media outlets catering to the interior design industry. The overall brand image and verbiage should flow across all tools and materials for any launch. Every aspect of the packaging needs to be thought out and unified in order to be able to have the most impact. For PETER FASANO it was thinking about tangible tools that will represent the quality of the brand and display the new collection.

As Summer was approaching, we focused on what was an appropriate Summer item people will be able to utilize but also has the ability to be customized. A tote bag and water bottle came to mind as items we thought would resonate and allow us to display the patterns and prints in a unique way. This was a creative way for the designers and editors to keep thinking about the collection all Summer long. The tools have garnered positive feedback, editorial request and created social media buzz. Marketing materials like these continue to allow the brand to be involved in conversations in the marketplace.

Tips for A Successful Event

Shari Lebowitz of Bespoke Designs has created a unique paper business in the heart of downtown Westport.

She nicknames herself “the paperpreneur.” With today’s Internet and technology driven society the lost art of handwritten notes and appropriate etiquette could be easily on the demise. To bring awareness to Lebowitz’s craft, Images and Details recommended hosting an informative Q and A with luxury design blogger Stacey Bewkes of Quintessence and Heather Wise Alexander of Bell’Invito invitations.

We envisioned a discussion on the new internet-driven event planning—which we deemed, “netiquette.” We wanted to give listeners a chance to understand the importance of traditional handcrafted paper goods that proves to be elegant and personal in a world where online work can seem so distant and impersonal.

“In this digital age, there is nothing as warm and personal as a handwritten note on an exquisite piece of brightly colored, beautifully textured stationery,” says Lebowitz. “It takes an ordinary gesture and makes it a celebratory one. How wonderful it is to reach into your mailbox to find that gorgeous handwritten envelope.”

It was just the right recipe for success. The audience was comprised of, wedding and event planners, caterers, florists, hoteliers, and media. The result: new clients, engaged audience, and media coverage in both print media and online.

Bookish About Design

A well-strategized event can absolutely help a business grow and attract new Target audiences.

Take Putnam and Mason, for example—a fairly new interior design shop in Greenwich Connecticut. They were looking to raise their profile and reach both designers and luxury good consumers. Images and Details recommended a book signing with author Miguel Flores-Vianna for his new book The Haute Bohemians.

While planning an event, timing is a fundamental element that can often determine the success or failure of the event. In this instance, the thought was to highlight that The Haute Bohemians was one of the top 10 books for the holidays and was featured on the New York Times bestseller list. This enabled us to attract media attention in advance and get both pre-stories and blog features. As a result of a well-timed event more than 70 books were sold, the venue was filled to the brim with guests and a fun time was had by all to boot.

Next in our book series was The Authentics by Dara Caponigro. Caponigro is currently the creative director of F. Schumacher & Co. and was formerly the editor-in-chief at Veranda. Additionally, she was the founding editor of Dominowhere she also served as the style director. Caponigro’s illustrious resume allowed us to utilize her large network to our advantage for this book signing event as well.

Events Matter

It seems as though today more companies and brands want experiences that allow them to connect with their customers and build brands in an intimate more meaningful way.

In January, we had our second rendition of Ancien et Moderne during Deco Off in Paris. This year’s theme celebrated 70’s bohemian chic glam. Brands like Fromental and Justin Van Breda were able to push the boundaries creatively in their product designs enabling us to come up with a concept that was not only visually stimulating, but that really brought the customization capabilities of both brands to the forefront.

Sculptor, Philippe Berry, collaborated with renown designers, Timothy Corrigan, Alex Papachristidis, Frank de Biasi, and Bambi Sloan to create one of a kind bronze mirrors. Bronze sculpture was brilliantly colored in two pieces by Monaco artist Carol Bruton. Designer Michelle Nussbaumer brought her sumptuous new fabrics, exotic jewelry and home accessories, while La Tuile la Loup set the perfect table with made-to-order ceramic dinnerware, and tabletop by French artisans. The Rug Company laid the ground work with two knotted silk rugs and Fabian Barbera’s newest candles provided the perfect scent for cold wintry Paris. All these custom pieces came together perfectly to create a space everyone couldn’t stop talking about.

Ancien et Moderne: Paris Pop-up

In Spring, Putnam & Mason, a new retail concept in Greenwich, came to light when interior designer Robert Passal and accessories designer Kim Alessi put their heads together to form a collaborative design atelier. They created a layered space filled with contemporary products and classical antiques paired with design services in a multifunctional showroom and workspace for both consumers and trade.

The design atelier is a one stop shop for consumers and trade, handling every facet of building and designing a home. Local vendors including Robert Passal Interior Design, KLASP Home, Wheelock Kitchens, Phoenix Audio Video, Eastridge Construction, and Gro Pro will use the space as if it is their own showroom, giving clients the opportunity to see their work in action. For designers, a unique aspect of the new concept at Putnam & Mason is the kitchen, called “The Sample Bar”. Although it will still function as a beverage station for clients to get coffee, water, and wine the main reason for the kitchen is as a workspace for designers to layout their projects. The island and cabinetry will be filled with various samples of fabric, wallpaper, paint, and more.

For Putnam & Mason our goal was to announce the opening of the design atelier and educate consumers and trade of the unique services it will provide. When you add in the mix of artist Hunt Slonem and New England Homemagazine as a partner, you get a win-win and the right upscale target audience to attend the opening.

KLAFFS was looking to have a Bath Expo and celebrate their vendors in their retail showroom. An evening with a CEU course, a trend talk with Editor in Chief DJ Carey of Cottages and Gardens and more than 300 attendees. Our main focus was to be the liaison between KLAFFS and CTC&G. Our second job was to help urge attendees to not only attend the event but to meet all the vendors and gain word of mouth advertising. We had a little fun with the social media hashtag and passport event using the phrase, #KLAFFSBubbleBash. It definitely made a big splash and plans are in the works for the next expo.

In continuing our efforts to create a unique set of programs for Wakefield Design Center we started a Business of Design Series with Athome magazine. Our first seminar was a dynamic and informative panel discussion on Licensing led by Kate Verner. Finishing with a discussion between expert in licensing Kate Verner, licensee Linherr Hollingsworth and creative/editorial director of Athome magazine Amy Vischio.

Fall Inspiration

One event after another tis the Fall season. Building relationships with designers is an integral part of Images & Details business. Many of our events entail introducing a brand to the interior design community or informing designers about programs that support their work in the local area and boy did we do that!

These types of events are created to introduce and educate the designers to the brand, materials and the bespoke quality of the mattresses. This year Vispring went one step further by flying an expert side-stitcher from their factory in England to have everyone experience first-hand what goes into making a Vispring mattress. We hoped this will create brand ambassadors as well as generate buzz, attract media and additional designers, and dealers to the Vispring showroom to highlight not only the work of the designers but the latest products Vispring has to offer. It was a success!

We returned to Connecticut with a line-up of events and this time our focus was on the local CT design community. Our client Wakefield Design Center had a successful turnout to their semi-annual To The Trade Only Day. The event’s dynamic programming continually attracts new designers to the showroom, this time doubling to more than 85 attendees. This November’s star studded roster of speaker started off with design icon Vicente Wolf sharing his philosophy on how classical elements –earth, wind, air and fire– form the base of any unforgettable design featured in his latest book The Four Elements of Design. Top furnishing brand, Vanguard, introduced us to the talented designer Barry Goralnick who opened our eyes to the way cultural trends inspire and impact the way we design and innovate new products. We switched it up a bit this year and ended with an exciting panel discussion moderated by author and designer Carl J Dellatore featuring panelists Laura Bohn, Glenn Gissler, Jesse Carrier and Mara Miller. They discussed design legend Mario Buatta’s thoughts on color inspiration and color interiors in the 21st century, an excerpt from Dellatore’s new book Interior Design Master Class.

By offering top caliber programming that is both informative and entertaining, more designer are joining us at Wakefield Design Center events which has increased foot traffic through the showroom. This has lead more designer to realize that Wakefield Design Center is a great resource for not only product and furnishing but holds expert information that will help one grow their business.

This is an event we love to be a part of– each year learning new ways to enhance the designers experience and grow the amount of attendees. It is also a way to connect the global interior design community with that of the ever growing Connecticut design Community. We wouldn’t be able to achieved the success we have had without the support of New England Home Magazine, the Wakefield Team, and all the amazing presenters that have given their time to come and talk to our community. Thank you again!

Designers, Dogs and Showhouses

The Dogs Days of Summer seem a long way off here in the Northeast.

But unlike here it seems already sultry in the South at the Southern Style Now Festival in down in New Orleans. Our own Dana Grunow is there soaking up the sun while being a PR Powerhouse and Speaker. She got to spend the evening with our southern gentleman, designer Jonathan Savage, who is the Showhouse master this Spring. First Atlanta at the South Eastern Showhouse then his Alma Mater the O’More Showhouse. And now the Southern Style Now Showhouse accompanied by the talented Tori Mellott of Traditional Home. For designers, Showhouse’s are still an essential way to show their work, style, creativity and usually for a good cause to boot.

And in our own backyard there is the inimitable Kips Bay which is a MUST SEE this year.

Now back to the dogs…

Here are a few of our favorite client pics with their pooches. And yes, they really do help drive those Instagram Likes.